This year 2008 Loughrea Athletic Club celebrates the 40th Anniversary of the formation of the club (1968). Both Colm Moorehead and T.J.Beatty have been associated with Loughrea Athletic Club from almost the very beginning of it’s existence and while both recently (T.J. in 2007 and Colm this year) resigned as Officer’s of the club but, thankfully, both remain on as committee members.
Over the years both have served as Chairman, Secretary or Treasurer as the need arose and both have left a lasting legacy on Athletics in Loughrea and surrounding area.
The purchase of land at Bushfield by the Athletic Club will always stand as testament to both Colm and T.J.’s hard labour – not forgetting of course the input and foresight of our late colleague Joe Grace. The hard labour was not alone physical (which it was) but the fund raising carried out to purchase the grounds was exceptional. This has resulted in the Club having practically all debt cleared on the property (some achievement).
The International Road Races held in the town where world class Athletes have taken part over the years - too many to mention here - is another example of the work and dedication of both Colm and T.J. at the head of the various committee’s involved.
The achievements of Loughrea Athlete’s, wearing the colours of our Club, in winning County, Connacht and All-Ireland medals have also been a source of great pride to Colm and T.J.
On a final note can we thank both of you for the many years of dedication to the cause. We make this vote of thanks on behalf of all Athlete’s; Officers; Committee member and ordinary members of Loughrea Athletic Club involved with the club over the years.
Thanks lads. (see you both at the next committee meeting).